What to Use for Weight when Plowing

Manufactured Weights

• A lot of manufacturers provide weights that specifically fit their plows and discs. The weights can range from square to round and can slid into or onto a designated position on the plow. Manufactured weights come in a variety of weights, depending on the size of the plow. The more weight you place on a plow, the deeper the plow will go. Placing too much weight on a plow will make the tractor work harder or not be able to pull the plow at all. Ensure that you use the proper amount of weight to get the depth you want without causing a problem with the tractor.

Blocks

• A lot of farmers use cinder blocks as weights on a plow or disc. A cinder block is typically used to make block walls or a foundation on buildings. Some plows have a flat shelf on the top of the plow in order for the farmer to set items, such as weights on top of the blade. Some plows do not require weight and can be adjusted. The adjustment allows the plow point to move up or down. Moving the point up will limit the depth of the plow, while adjusting the point down causes the plow to dig deeper into the ground.

Lifting Weights

• Some farmers fabricate a rod on the top of a plow so lifting weights can be placed over the plow blade. Single plow blades can have to rods so weight can rest on both sides of the blade. A lifting weight is the kind you find in fitness centers or use to workout on a bench press. The weight is commonly cheaper than the manufactured weights and heavier than cinder blocks. The lifting weights can be purchased in different sizes, so the farmer can adjust the weight on the plow.

Stones

• Farmers attempting to save some money or low on cash can fabricate a shelf on the plow and place large stones on top. The farmer cannot adjust the weight on top of the plow without finding different size stones and changing the sizes out as necessary. It is easier for the farmer to place too much weight in different places above the plow blade, because stones do not weight the same from end-to-end. Using stones can place undue stress on the engine of the tractor, but a stone weight is not uncommon for a smaller farmer.